Move to bring Maha CM under Lokayukta ambit a 'PR stunt': NCP

The Maharashtra government's decision to bring the office of Chief Minister under the ambit of Lokayukta was nothing but a "PR exercise" aimed at building the image of incumbent Devendra Fadnavis, opposition NCP said Wednesday.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet Tuesday at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis.

However, the anti-corruption ombudsman can't initiate an inquiry against a sitting CM.

Addressing a press conference, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik accused Fadnavis of "fooling" the people of the state by making such an announcement.

As per the Cabinet decision, a Chief Minister will face inquiry only after he demits office and after the governor gives permission for the probe, he said.

"When Fadnavis was opposition leader, he was in the forefront of demanding strengthening of the Lokayukta Act on lines of the Lokpal Act enacted at the Centre in 2013 which gives powers of policing, filing of chargesheet, seizure of property and arrest to the Lokpal.

"Even .